6 Free Events To Enjoy In Fort Myers Away From The Beach
When talking about attractions in Fort Myers, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is the beach. However, there is a lot for everyone to enjoy away from the beach. Fortunately, enjoying these doesn’t cost a dime while offering endless hours of enjoyment. Here are events and celebrations to enjoy at Fort Myers without spending a penny.
ArtFest Fort Myers
This annual event happens on the first of February on the riverfront downtown. The ArtFest is a popular three-day event attracting about 70,000 people. About 200 artists set up booths lining Bay Street to Centennial Park and Caloosahatchee River. This park fills up with performance stages and food vendors. The event raises money to promote art in local schools. Young artists have tents and there is an Art Yard where to make art pieces of your own while admiring sculptures and paintings by others.
Sunset Celebration Cape Coral
This happens at the Cape Coral Yacht Club every first Wednesday of the month. The club has several pavilions with vendors and live entertainment including local artists and entrepreneurs. Food trucks are available to protect you from hunger pangs. Pack a beach chair and blanket for stretching out on the sand to enjoy this free event while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
Sunset celebration
Apart from the nice vacation rentals in Ft Myers Beach, there are vantage points to watch the sun slip into the Gulf of Mexico. You can gather at the beach on a Friday or Saturday to enjoy the sunset celebration at Times Square. This is a pedestrian area filled with restaurants, shops, and bars at the foot of the beach pier. During the weekend, the paved space is filled with musicians, artists, and other performers to celebrate the sunset. This free event begins at 5:00 pm until 10 pm watching the sun worshippers celebrating the sunset.
Green Market-Yoga
This happens each Saturday throughout the year at the Alliance for Arts. The Green Market Yoga event promotes healthy eating with a free yoga class. The space has some shades although you can carry some sunscreen when sensitive to light. Carry yoga gear and a friend along to enjoy the open yoga class.
Keep in mind that class begins at 9:30 led by professionals from YogaBird Studio nearby. After the yoga class, you can wander throughout the market to enjoy music and cooking demos. Look forward to sampling various local treats and to pick up something healthy for your lunch.
Edison Festival of Light
This three-week event is a popular annual spectacle honoring Thomas Edison’s birthday, a famous winter resident. The Edison Festival of Light has been happening since 1938. It is filled with a host of activities including:
Block parties
Coronation balls
Car shows
Craft shows
Science and inventor’s fair
This event kicks off towards the end of January to the second week of February culminating into the Festival of Light Grand Parade and a 5K race. Weeks before the parade, people reserve sections of the sidewalk for the parade route using chalk and duct tape. Others unofficially reserve their spaces using lamp posts or old lawn chairs. Apart from the famous parade, look forward to music, science, and art showcase.
Art Walk and Music Walk
Happening in the Downtown River District, this monthly event is inviting for everyone. The Art Walk is on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 pm. throughout this event, galleries, shops, and museums are open till late offering special activities and exhibits. You can grab a free trolley to go shopping in various stores and galleries in the downtown area. Some shops offer line entertainment during the Art Walk although music lovers can have a blast on the third Friday of the month during the Music Walk.
This event begins at 7 pm with performers and bands on the streets and other venues. Expect rock and roll and jazz music. Look forward to grabbing some wine in the various shops and galleries. Restaurants and bars usually have booths on the sidewalks offering drinks to revelers. This is the best free party while in Fort Myers while enjoying music and art and promoting local businesses.
Bonus: Some free attractions to visit in Fort Myers include:
Lakes Regional Park
Lee County Manatee Park
Matanzas Pass Preserve
Sanibel Lighthouse & Fishing Pier
Wrapping up
Fort Myers Beach is a top travel destination for everyone. The beaches here are a crowd puller. However, you can attend various free events while in Fort Myers to make your vacation more pleasant. Fortunately, there are various accommodations for a pleasant stay. These are available in various options including those with beachfront access, amazing views, and in various locations. You just have to choose one matching your budget and needs for a chance to immerse yourself in the various activities in Fort Myers.